Current Marijuana Use by Industry and Occupation - Colorado, 2014-2015

Prevalence of Cannabis Use Among US Workers in 15 States, 2016-2020

Objectives. To examine the prevalence of cannabis use among US workers using data from the US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) during 2016 to 2020. Methods. We analyzed past 30-day cannabis use among US workers. We calculated weighted prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) of cannabis use for working adults by industry groups, occupation groups, and sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., sex, education, age, race/ethnicity). Results. During the 5-year survey period, the weighted prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use among adult US workers from the 15 states included in the BRFSS was 10.7%. The industry group with the highest weighted prevalence of use was accommodation and food services (20.7%), and the highest-ranking occupation group was food preparation and service (21.9%). The industry group with the highest APR was accommodation and food services (APR = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10, 1.55), and the occupation group with the highest APR was arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media (APR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.52, 2.41). Conclusions. Cannabis use among US workers varied widely by sex, age, race, education, industry groups, and occupation groups. A more accurate understanding of this variation can help guide research, focus policy discussions, and prioritize health messaging. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S8):S645-S653. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307788).

[Predictors and Effects of Cannabis-Related Legal Investigations]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In 2018, 218,660 cases of cannabis-related legal investigations were registered by the German police. In the present study, predictors and effects of cannabis-related legal investigations are investigated.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study with 10,432 subjects between 15 and 46 years of age (M=22.2 years, SD=4.8) of which 54.6% were male. The sample recruitment took place in 2018 over social media. The online questionnaire included potential predictors and as outcome measures mental health, social status, unemployment, income, and problematic cannabis and alcohol use.

RESULTS

A total of 9,246 subjects (88.6%) had consumed cannabis in their lifetime. A cannabis-related legal investigation had been initiated against 1,736 subjects (18.8%). These individuals were more likely to be male, older, less likely to achieve A-levels, scored higher on sensation seeking, were more likely to report ADHD, started cannabis use earlier, and had higher levels of all cannabis use variables. No significant associations were found between cannabis-related legal investigations and the level of income, unemployment, mental health or subjective social status. Of the never or former consumers, 63.4 and 44.8%, respectively, reported that fear to get into trouble with the law was a reason for non-use.

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence that cannabis-related legal investigations had any impact on the current life or health situation. Fears of getting into trouble with the law were particularly relevant for people who had never used, or were currently not using cannabis.